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UV Index

Posted by ecostinger on 14th Aug 2014

What is the UV Index?

The UV Index is a measurement of the sun UV radiation intensity, the EPA UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Exposure to sunlight can be fun and enjoyable however, it can be dangerous as well. Over exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation can cause skin damage, such as sunburn, and other serious problems, such as skin cancer and cataracts.

Find today’s UV index for your City/Town (USA)

Recommendations for protection when the day’s predicted UV index is at various values are:

UV Index Description Media Graphic Color Recommended Protection
0–2 No danger to the average person Green No Protection Required
Wear sunglasses on bright days; use sunscreen if there is snow on the ground, which reflects UV radiation, or if you have particularly fair skin.
3–5 Little risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Yellow Protection Required
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, cover the body with clothing and a hat, and seek shade around midday when the sun is most intense.
6–7 High risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Orange Protection Required
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen having SPF 15 or higher, cover the body with sun protective clothing and a wide-brim hat, and reduce time in the sun from two hours before to three hours after solar noon (roughly 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during summer in zones that observe daylight saving time).
8–10 Very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Red Protection Required
Wear sunscreen, a shirt, sunglasses, and a hat. Do not stay out in the sun for too long.
11+ Extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure Violet Protection Required
Take all precautions, including: wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, cover the body with a long-sleeve shirt and trousers, wear a very broad hat, and avoid the sun from two hours before to three hours after solar noon.



Below are important UV information links, and sun protection messages. Please take the time to read the information provided as it will surely guide you in your efforts to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s UV radiation.

- What is solar UV radiation?
- What is the UV index?
- UV safety action steps - Health effects of UV radiation exposure
- Sun protection messages
- Sun protection messages for children as a special risk group

Australian and World leader in UV Radiation and UPF50+ authority
- ARPANSA

USA Environmental Protection Agency
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
- UV Index and Alerts forecasts subscription (email subscription)
World Health Organization
- Ultraviolet radiation and health

We encourage you to view the following
Sun Damaged Skin Pictures slideshow

uv index